Earl Philip Redick
Earl Philip Redick, 85, passed away onApril 28, 2020, holding his wife’s hand in their Chattanooga, Tennessee home.
Born in Albany, NY, Phil attended the Albany Academy preparatory school on a scholarship as part of the Cadet Battalion before going on to graduate from Cornell University with a degree in animal husbandry and later from Elmira College with a master’s degree in education. His cadet experience and desire to see the world lead to a military career, with six years in the U.S. Navy before taking an active duty transfer to the U.S. Army as a Signal Corps officer. After 22 years of service to the nation, Phil retired as a Lieutenant Colonel with two tours in Vietnam and multiple deployments to the Middle East. He earned numerous decorations including the Air Medal, three Meritorious Service Medals, and a Bronze Star.
Phil was a measured man who deliberated pros and cons of big decisions. Still, he knew a good thing when he saw it and could act quickly when his heart moved him. The young Naval Ensign met Gisela on a blind date during a port call in Hamburg, Germany and proposed three days later. Over the next 60 years Phil and Gisela traveled the world collecting memories and teaching their children to cherish family and home. They eventually settled in Upstate New York, moving to Tennessee only two years ago.
In retirement Phil explored many passions. He became an accomplished baker, perfecting breads that replicated the German varieties Gisela missed. His records show he baked more than 2,000 loaves that he shared with family, friends, and neighbors. Phil collected countless recipes and invented many that became family traditions, like the beef jerky he gave his children on birthdays. Although he rarely spoke of his own personal history, he researched his genealogy and was proud to trace his roots to Edward Doty, a passenger on the Mayflower. As a behind-the-scenes problem solver and handyman, he helped bring many of Gisela’s artistic creations to life. Yet Phil was a craftsman in his own right, creating heirlooms in wood and marquetry. His greatest passion of all, however, was being “Boompa” to eight grandchildren.
After cancer ambushed Phil’s body, family arrived from across the country to be with him, though the coronavirus pandemic restricted some from traveling. Always embracing new technology, he connected everyone through the Internet to relive traditions and memories dear to him. Phil loved creating traditions and memories.
Phil is survived by his wife, Gisela Korff Redick; their children, Gregory Redick (Jennifer) of Lanexa, VA, David Redick (Deedee) of Washburn, MO, Susan Gruber (Terry) of Signal Mountain, TN, and Geffrey Redick (Karen) of Greenfield Center, NY; as well as grandchildren, Ben, Katharine, Nathalie, Madelyn, Owen, Sara, Mathew, and Jack.
When full military honors can be rendered, Phil will be buried at the Saratoga National Cemetery in New York near his longtime home and the battlefield where his fourth great grandfather Peter Doty fought during the American Revolution.
Phil loved food and sharing recipes with others. In lieu of flowers, those interested are encouraged to share a favorite recipe with his family. Memorials and recipes may be left at www.companionfunerals.com.